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Diego Delso CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Bjarnarey

Island

A small islet in the Westman archipelago, Bjarnarey draws birdwatchers and boat tours from Heimaey for nesting seabirds and raw coastal cliffs.

Bjarnarey SelfossÞingvellirGeysirGullfossSeljalandsfossSkógafossReynisfjaraLandmannalaugarBjarnarey

Bjarnarey essentials

Country: Iceland
Driest months: May-Jul
Pay in: Krona (kr)
Language: Icelandic

Bjarnarey at a Glance

About Bjarnarey

Bjarnarey is a small uninhabited island in the Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) archipelago off the south coast of Iceland. It forms one of several minor islets clustered near the larger islands in the group.

The islet is typically visited from the larger inhabited islands by small boats and is of interest for seabird colonies and coastal geology. There are no permanent settlements on the islet and landing is occasional and seasonal.

The Westman Islands are of volcanic origin and the archipelago includes both inhabited and uninhabited islands formed by eruptions and subsequent erosion. Bjarnarey lies close to other small islands in the southern Icelandic coastal sea.

Bjarnarey is situated in the Southern Region of Iceland as part of the Vestmannaeyjar group, south of mainland Iceland and near the main island of Heimaey, which serves as the local transport and service hub.

  • Archipelago and use: Part of the Vestmannaeyjar or Westman Islands archipelago, the islet is uninhabited and visited mainly by naturalists and boat tours.
  • Geology and neighbours: The Westman Islands are volcanic in origin, and the islet sits among other small islands close to the larger inhabited island of Heimaey.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Bjarnarey

Visit in Iceland's short summer season for safer sea conditions and easier landings.

Summer
June-August · 8-15°C
Calmest seas and longer daylight for landing and exploration.

Weather & Climate near Bjarnarey

Climate

Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from 1°C to 12°C. Abundant rainfall (1460 mm/year), wettest in October, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Air Quality: AQI 16 Good
Best Time to Visit
JulyJuneAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
18°
Warmest Month
-12°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor 1° - 6° -3° 134 mm overcast 87% 10.0 m/s 0.0 low 5.4h
February Poor 2° - 5° -2° 140 mm overcast 87% 10.2 m/s 0.0 low 8.4h
March Poor 1° - 5° -3° 130 mm overcast 86% 9.6 m/s 0.1 low 11.5h
April Poor 3° - 6° -1° 97 mm overcast 86% 8.4 m/s 0.4 low 14.7h
May Poor 5° - 9° 3° 101 mm overcast 84% 7.2 m/s 0.8 moderate 17.8h
June Poor 7° - 11° 6° 87 mm overcast 86% 6.7 m/s 1.0 high 19.8h
July Acceptable 9° - 12° 11° 93 mm overcast 87% 6.4 m/s 1.0 moderate 18.8h
August Poor 10° - 12° 11° 137 mm overcast 86% 6.5 m/s 0.7 moderate 15.9h
September Poor 8° - 10° 5° 126 mm overcast 87% 7.7 m/s 0.3 low 12.8h
October Poor 5° - 8° 2° 144 mm overcast 87% 8.5 m/s 0.1 low 9.6h
November Poor 3° - 6° -1° 134 mm overcast 87% 9.0 m/s 0.0 low 6.4h
December Poor 2° - 6° -2° 137 mm overcast 87% 10.2 m/s 0.0 low 4.2h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Bjarnarey

Access by private boat or charter from nearby mainland harbors in southwest Iceland during calmer summer months. There are no regular ferry services.

Tips for Visiting Bjarnarey

  • Bjarnarey is uninhabited and lacks facilities-bring any supplies needed for a short visit.
  • Boat landings can be tricky-choose calm weather and local captains familiar with landing spots.
  • The island is rugged and mostly coastal cliffs; waterproof footwear and careful footing are essential.